John “Alec” Stephenson, an administrator at the Silverado Aspen Park memory care community in Salt Lake City, raised a son with a hearing impairment. As many parents of children who are hearing impaired, the family embraced sign language as a means to communicate with their son. Years later, Alec started a program to teach sign […]
When Caregiver Stress Becomes Extreme
Q. My aunt Rae, 84, was the primary caregiver for my Uncle Leo, who suffers from dementia. Leo would wander, so Rae couldn’t leave him alone, and she missed the conversations she and Leo used to have. Rae became resentful and depressed because she had to forego her dreams of world travel and didn’t even […]
I’m Finally Taking a Vacation — What to Do About Caregiving Duties
Caroline’s sister and her family live in sunny Tampa, Florida. She’s been wanting to visit for three years now, ever since her sister’s family bought their house near the beach. But it has been tough to get away, since Caroline is a live-in caregiver for her mother. Caroline gave it a lot of thought and […]
When Should I Plan for Long-Term Care?
Dear Angel, I read somewhere that I should start planning for long-term care now. I am only 40. That seems young. Is this correct and why? Thanks! Jus Fortee — Dear Jus, What you read is correct. Advisors recommend that clients start planning for long-term care years before they think they will need it. In […]
Long-Term Care Insurance: That Wasn’t Supposed to Happen!
Q. When my mom was in her 50’s, long-term care insurance seemed like a great idea. She bought a policy while she and my father were still relatively healthy, paid their monthly premiums on time every month, and in return they thought they’d be able to afford a nursing home, assisted-living facility, or personal home […]
Your Last Wishes Can be as Unique as You Are
Katie was born on July 4th. She got married on that day also and gave birth to her son on July 6th (he was due on the 4th). She was in the military and is a proud American. For her, Independence Day and fireworks have special meaning. So, when she indicated her wishes in her […]
Do CCRCs (Life Plan Communities) Have a Capitalization Problem?
By Jack Cumming Starting a senior housing enterprise or opening a new facility requires sizable investments in real estate, planning, building, and marketing. It is capital intensive. It is also a trust business in which aging residents entrust their elder years to the care and oversight of others. Trust Responsibility Both the acceptance of advance […]
Not Alone: A Daughter and Her Dad Battle Parkinson’s Together
When Kelly’s dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 20 years ago, she researched the disease and the best treatment options for him. Little did she know that she too would be diagnosed with the same devastating disease four years later, at the age of 29! At first, Kelly couldn’t believe what was happening to her. […]
Am I a Helicopter Child, and If So, Why is That a Bad Thing?
Q. I heard my sister and brother talking about my mother’s care the other day when they thought I couldn’t hear them. I distinctly remember them mentioning the term “helicopter child,” and they were referring to me! I have heard the term “helicopter” parent, and I know that it refers to someone who has the […]
Depression and Suicide Prevention: What to Do When a Loved One is Depressed
The suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade last week left most people in shock. Two exceptionally creative talents, who shared their passions with the world and seemed to have it all, took their own lives. Their untimely deaths have prompted other celebrities to open up about their own struggles with depression, and some have […]
The Graduation Gift Every 18-year-old Really Needs
Q. My daughter, Becca, is graduating from high school next week and attending college in Richmond in the fall. We couldn’t be more proud of all of her accomplishments. We are thrilled that she is just a little over two hours away, and that she can bring a car to school, so she can come […]
When Should I Make Changes to My Incapacity Plan?
Dear Ribbit, I saw the unthinkable happen to a friend of mine in college, and like most college students, he didn’t have incapacity planning in place. I saw it as a sign and got my own planning in order. Now that I graduated, I am wondering– is an incapacity plan something that stays the same […]
Medicaid Expansion Passed – What it Means for Healthcare in Virginia
It’s true! After years of advocacy and a long-delayed budget, the Virginia General Assembly passed a state budget that includes the Medicaid expansion coverage created under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Medicaid expansion in the Commonwealth will improve the quality of life for 400,000 Virginians by enabling them to gain access to […]
The Ecosystem of Family Caregiving
Q. My family is new to caregiving, and we’re trying to figure out how to best support each other, but it seems like a tangled web. For instance, I am divorced, but I have a son who can help with practical responsibilities as I care for my mother with Parkinson’s disease in our home. My […]
How to Maintain an Emotional Connection to Someone with Alzheimer’s
Geri Taylor (69) had recently retired from her job in health administration, when she started noticing changes in herself. For some time, she had experienced forgetfulness at work. For instance, when she was leading a staff meeting, she realized she had no idea what she was talking about. She got past the episode by quickly […]
Millennials are Emerging as a Generation of Caregivers
Q. My name is Kelsey, and I’m a junior in college. I lived on campus my first year but ended up moving back home when I learned that my mother needed caregiving help. College tuition is costly and so is caregiving, so I figured that I would save money on housing and having to hire […]
Are you Ready for Retirement? Advice from Warren Buffett
Mike has worked for the federal government since he graduated from college. He estimates that he will retire in ten years, and he wants to make sure he is prepared when he does. His wife, Lily, is a consultant, who does not have benefits through her job. Lily wants to ensure that she is prepared, […]
Ignoring Hearing Loss Can Dramatically Increase Likelihood of Dementia
Q. I am convinced that my mom is experiencing hearing loss. I find myself repeating things I say and shouting just so she’ll hear me. She also turns the TV up so loud that I can hear it on the other side of the house! I think she could be in denial about her hearing […]
Driving Safely with Hearing Loss
Dear Ribbit, My father has hearing loss and I fear that it’s affecting his driving. He gave me a ride to the airport yesterday, and we almost got into two accidents. Are their things that can be done to help someone with hearing loss drive more safely? Thanks for your help! S. “Carrie” Driver — […]
Muddy Waters’ Family Still Singing the Blues: An Estate Plan Still Not Settled After 35 Years
Dan just turned 65 and is beginning to tackle the items on his bucket list. Recently, he was able to check off an item that was near the top—a trip to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras, see the French Quarter, eat a beignet at Café Du Monde, and listen to some of the best […]
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